Israel's coronavirus death toll reaches 24

The latest fatality is a 66-year-old woman, who suffered from many and significant background illnesses at Sheba Medical Center; fourth death reported since Wednesday morning

Ynet |

Published: 04.01.20 , 19:09

Another three people had died from complications related to coronavirus, bringing the country's death toll to 24, health officials said Wednesday. The Health Ministry confirmed the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country now stands at 5,591.

The latest fatality is a 66-year-old woman, who suffered from many and significant background illnesses, who was hospitalized at Sheba Medical Center.

Coronavirus testing center in Ashdod

(Photo: Avi Rokah)

Earlier Wednesday, a 74-year-old man who passed away after being in critical condition at the Wolfson Medical Center near Tel Aviv; His death was reported moments after a 69-year-old woman had died in the Shaare Zedek hospital Jerusalem, both having suffered from underlying health conditions

Also Wednesday, a 98-year-old woman who suffered from "serious and complicated" underlying health conditions. She was hospitalized at the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva.

The woman becomes the second coronavirus fatality who contracted the disease at the "Mishan" nursing home in the southern city. The first victim was 93-year-old Avraham Arushas who passed away a few days ago.

Another 12 residents of the assisted living facility have also tested positive for the virus, with five hospitalized at the Soroka hospital and another eight at a geriatric medical center in Jaffa, in central Israel. At least three patients are in serious condition.

Mishan Be'er Sheva nursing home

(Photo: Roee Idan)

Of the latest number, 97 people are currently in serious condition, including 76 patients on ventilators. Another 122 people are in moderate condition and 5,121 have minor symptoms.

A total of 637 people are being treated in hospital, 689 are in specially designated hotels and 3,062 are being treated at home. The remainder are awaiting a decision on whether they will need to be hospitalized.

At least 226 patients have recovered.

Medical staff at Soroka hospital

(Photo: Soroka Medical Center)

On Tuesday, a man in his 90s, who had underlying health issues, passed away at Wolfson Hospital in Holon, near Tel Aviv, where he had been on a ventilator and in very serious condition.

A short time earlier, Assuta Hospital in the southern city of Ashdod said a man in his 70s had died of the disease. The man had existing health issues, the hospital said.

Pazit Babian and Tamar Peretz-Levy

(Photos: Courtesy)

Three women have also succumbed to the virus since Monday night, including a 49-year-old widow who is Israel's youngest fatality so far.

A 90-year-old woman, who also had underlying health issues, died on Tuesday at Kaplan Medical Center in Rehovot.

Earlier Tuesday, 50-year-old Pazit Babian from Rishon Lezion succumbed to the virus at Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, hours after it claimed the life of 49-year-old widow Tamar Peretz-Levy from Lod, who leaves behind 4-year-old twins.